U.S. Department of Justice

United States AttorneyEastern District of Missouri

Lincoln County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Arson Charges

St. Louis, Mo. – Roy William Gunn pled guilty to charges involving the attempted arson of four different buildings in Elsberry, MO.

According to court documents, Gunn attempted to destroy the building at 309 South 3rd Street, which is owned by the City of Elsberry, on July 19, 2011; on August 30, 2011, the building at 306 South 3rd Street, also owned by the City of Elsberry; on August 31, 2011, Stu's Countryside Convenience Store at 990 Missouri State Highway B; and on September 10, 2011, Spies Tax Service at 301 South Main Street.

Gunn, 32, Elsberry, MO, pled guilty to two felony counts of damaging a property receiving federal financial assistance; and two felony counts of damaging or destroying a building used in interstate commerce. He appeared before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry. Sentencing has been set for December 19, 2012.

Each count carries a penalty range of five to 20 years in prison and or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Missouri State Fire Marshals, Elsberry Fire Protection District, Elsberry Police Department, the Lincoln County Arson Task Force, and the ATF. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Hoag is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives United States Department of Justice